Statement by the Government of Antigua & Barbuda on the arrest of John Ashe

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 6th October, 2015……….The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has learned from media reports of the arrest in the United States of John Ashe, who was Permanent Representative to the United Nations under the former government of the United Progressive Party led by former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer.

The present Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party government replaced Mr Ashe when it was elected to office in 2014.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda understands that Mr Ashe’s arrest arises from charges in a bribery scheme that involved sources from another country, while he was President of the UN General Assembly. Senior officials of the former Spencer government, including Spencer himself are identified in the complaint. The complaint against Ashe, who is a resident of the United States, also includes fraudulent tax returns in the US.

The present government of Antigua and Barbuda has implemented and upholds the highest standards of good governance and accountability. It notes that the charges against Mr Ashe relates to his Presidency of the UN General Assembly. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda will continue to monitor the situation. (Ends)

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